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Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV Launched – RM626k

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV is an impressive addition to the luxury electric vehicle segment, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, performance, and comfort. Here are some key highlights:

Performance and Range

Power and Acceleration: The EQS 450 4MATIC SUV boasts a rated output of 360hp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Electric Range: With a range of up to 673km (WLTP), the EQS SUV offers both impressive acceleration and long-distance capability.

Drivetrain and Suspension

Electric Drive Train: The vehicle uses a highly efficient electric drive train (eATS) on both the front and rear axles, with a Torque Shift function that optimally distributes torque.

Suspension: The EQS SUV features a four-link axle at the front, a multi-link suspension at the rear, and AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+. It also offers rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability.

Safety and Assistance Features

Advanced Safety: The EQS SUV is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Driving Assistance Package Plus, URBAN GUARD Plus, and a 360° camera.

Charging Capabilities

Charging System: The EQS SUV offers AC charging up to 22 kW and DC fast charging up to 200 kW, with quick charging times of 6 hours and 15 minutes (0%-100% SOC) for AC and 31 minutes (10%-80% SOC) for DC.

Interior and Infotainment

Luxurious Interior: The vehicle includes multicontour front seats, a third row, and climatised front seats with three-stage ventilation and heating. The MBUX Hyperscreen integrates the instrument panel into a single widescreen display, while the MBUX Augmented Reality Head-up Display offers 3D navigation and driving assistance.

Entertainment: Rear passengers enjoy THERMOTRONIC climate control, touch displays, and the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. The cabin is equipped with a Dolby Atmos® sound system and Burmester® surround sound for an immersive audio experience.

Exterior Features

Exterior Design: The EQS SUV’s AMG Line Exterior includes a Black Panel radiator grille, 22-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, and illuminated running boards.
Lighting: The DIGITAL LIGHT with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and a panoramic sliding sunroof enhance visibility and ambiance.

Pricing and Availability

Price: The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV is priced at RM 625,888 (including 10% ST) for Peninsular Malaysia. Delivery is set to commence from September 2024 onwards.

This model showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to delivering luxury, performance, and innovation in the electric vehicle market.

2025 Proton X70 Officially Launched From RM98,800

Proton has officially launched the latest version of the Proton X70, which brings several notable upgrades and refinements to the SUV market. This new model builds on the strengths of its predecessor while offering enhancements in performance, design, comfort, and connectivity.

Under the hood, the new X70 features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 177PS at 5500rpm and 255Nm of torque at 1500rpm. This engine includes improved combustion efficiency for cleaner emissions and enhanced performance. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) have been reduced, providing a quieter driving experience. Advanced thermal management optimises engine temperatures, reduces friction, and improves fuel efficiency through new transmission settings. Software updates in the Engine Management System (EMS) and Transmission Control Unit (TCU) further refine fuel consumption and overall efficiency.

The exterior design of the X70 has been refreshed with a new hood, fender, front bumper, and grille featuring an infinite weave diamond pattern with a chrome finish. It also includes LED headlamps with 47 LEDs for better illumination, a redesigned rear bumper, and new two-tone alloy wheels. A power tailgate with auto-open functionality enhances convenience.

Inside, the X70 now includes a 3-point shift lever, a new steering wheel, and a multicolour ambient lighting system with 72 colour options and three modes: single, breathing, and multicolour. Premium variants come with Stone Grey upholstery and Nappa leather seats.

The SUV boasts an advanced suite of safety technologies, including Walk Away Auto Lock, Nearby Auto Door Unlock, a 360 Camera Display, and an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold. It features 13 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Centering Control.

NVH improvements include reduced gear whine and smoother operation from the new 7-Speed EVO300 Transmission. Enhanced insulation and noise suppression throughout the vehicle contribute to a more premium feel.

The upgraded infotainment system features a 12.3-inch screen with 1920×720 resolution, powered by a dual quad-core processor with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. The Proton Link app allows remote control of engine, windows, locks, and air conditioning. The “Hi Proton” voice command system manages various functions, while connectivity includes 3 USB Type-A ports and 2 USB Type-C ports, along with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The new Proton X70 is available in Marine Blue (Flagship), Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ruby Red, and White.

Pricing for the four available variants are RM98,800 for thE 1.5 TGDi Standard, RM110,800 for the 1.5 TGDi Executive, RM123,800 for the 1.5 TGDi Premium and RM126,800 1.5 TGDi Premium X.

Early birds (first 3,000 customer) get RM7,000 cash rebate, trade-in overtrade support for RM2,800 and upgraded Proton insurance programme. Standard packages consist of 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage, 5-year data package with 1GB/month, six times free labour service, financing interest rates from 2.4%PA and Proton insurance programme.

Proton Saga Achieves Record Sales as It Celebrates 39 Years

As the Proton Saga marks its 39th year of continuous production, the iconic Malaysian car has reached a significant milestone, recording 7,855 units sold last month. This impressive figure represents the highest single-month sales for the Saga since October 2013. Year-to-date (YTD) sales have risen by 8.8% compared to the previous year, totalling 42,693 units and setting the stage for a strong sales year ahead.

First introduced on July 9, 1985, the Proton Saga has now surpassed 2 million units in sales, affirming its status as the most popular model from a Malaysian automotive brand. The Saga’s enduring appeal lies in its reliability and affordability, qualities that have resonated with customers for nearly three decades.

Enhancing the Saga with Geely

Proton is actively collaborating with its partner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely), to explore enhancements to the Saga model. This partnership, which has been in place for years and strengthened by the recent establishment of the Proton R&D Centre in China, aims to build on the existing platform and introduce new model improvements.

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Smart Malaysia Expands with New Dealership in Johor Bahru

Smart Malaysia has announced the grand opening of its second dealership in Johor Bahru, a move aimed at enhancing the accessibility of electric vehicles (EVs) in the southern region of Malaysia. The new dealership, smart Johor Bahru 2, will be operated by AG Autoworld (EV), marking a significant milestone in smart Malaysia’s efforts to expand sustainable transportation options and foster community engagement.

Established in 1999, AG Autoworld (EV), now rebranded as smart Johor Bahru 2, is strategically located at 17&18, Jalan Tebrau, Kampung Wadi Hanna, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor. With a history of excellence and numerous accolades, AG Autoworld recently received prestigious awards at the Proton 2024 Dealer Conference & Recognition Awards, including the Gold Award and top honours in Sales Volume and B&P Performance.

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Chery Omoda 5 Achieves Prestigious 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating

Chery Malaysia announced that the Chery Omoda 5 has earned a coveted 5-star rating in the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). This esteemed accolade highlights Chery’s unwavering dedication to safety and quality in its vehicles.

The ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 assessment protocol includes four key areas: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), Safety Assist Technology (SA), and Motorcyclist Safety (MS). Each domain contributes to the overall score, with AOP covering 40 points, and COP, SA, and MS each contributing 20 points.

The Chery Omoda 5, marking its debut in the ASEAN NCAP evaluations, achieved a remarkable total score of 88.64 points, securing the prestigious 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating. The breakdown of the score is as follows:

Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): 36.77 points
Child Occupant Protection (COP): 17.36 points
Safety Assist Technology (SA): 19.51 points
Motorcyclist Safety (MS): 15.00 points

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UMW Toyota Motor Announces Strong July Sales And New Launches

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has reported impressive sales figures for July 2024, with over 9,000 units sold, pushing the year-to-date total to more than 55,800 units. This surge in sales highlights the company’s strategic focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, driving successful initiatives and promotions.

In line with its growth strategy, UMWT recently expanded its Lexus lineup with the launch of two new models. The Lexus RZ 450e, the brand’s first fully dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), and the Lexus LBX, a new self-charging hybrid SUV aimed at the entry-level segment, reflect Lexus Malaysia’s commitment to a diverse electrification strategy. The ‘More than Electric’ campaign underscores their dedication to offering both hybrid and fully electric vehicles while redefining luxury with sustainability in mind.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, UMWT has launched the “Discover Merdeka Exclusives” promotion for August 2024. This initiative includes savings of up to RM8,000 on the Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric, with monthly instalments starting from RM1,058. Additionally, the Toyota Service Savers program offers convenient monthly instalments starting from just RM31.

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Car Purchase Scam Costs Kuala Terengganu Civil Servant RM99,000

A 50-year-old civil servant fell victim to a car purchase scam, losing RM99,000 in a fraudulent scheme involving a non-existent Perodua Alza. The scam highlights the ongoing risk of online fraud and the importance of verifying transactions before making payments.

Incident Details:

Fraudulent Advertisement: On August 8, the victim came across an advertisement for Perodua Alza cars on the Telegram application. The ad offered the vehicle at a price of RM26,000, prompting the victim to contact the provided phone number.
Payment Process: After discussions with the scammer, the victim was instructed to make an initial payment, which eventually escalated to RM99,000 due to additional charges purportedly required for the car’s acquisition.

Discovery and Reporting: Once the victim realised that the car did not exist, they filed a police report at the Kuala Terengganu Police Station to seek justice.

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Malaysia Faces RM4 Billion in Unpaid Traffic Fines

A staggering 41 million traffic fines, amounting to an estimated RM4 billion, remain unpaid by traffic offenders in Malaysia since 1990 up to June this year. This figure highlights a significant challenge for authorities in managing and enforcing traffic penalties.

Key Statistics

Total Unpaid Fines: Approximately 40,962,240 fines, totalling around RM4 billion.
Foreign Nationals: Out of these, about 51,128 fines, valued at RM5.1 million, involve foreign nationals from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand.
- Singaporeans: Lead with 35,011 fines amounting to RM3.5 million.

Enforcement and Measures

Issuing Notifications: The Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, led by Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, plans to issue notifications to inform offenders of their outstanding fines.
Blacklisting: Motorists who do not settle their fines could be blacklisted by the Road Transport Department (RTD). The blacklist may affect individuals for major offences, including:
- Running red lights
- Driving in emergency lanes
- Overtaking on double lines
- Using communication devices while driving
- Queue jumping
- Speeding

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Proton Opens New Regional Parts Centre In Sabah To Meet Market Demand

Proton announced the official launch of its new Regional Parts Centre (RPC) in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, enhancing its spare parts storage and distribution capabilities. This facility follows the launch of a similar centre in Sarawak last year. The new RPC, located in a commercial area of Inanam, significantly boosts the company’s ability to manage spare parts distribution, reducing lead times by 30%. This improvement is driven by increased output capacity from Proton Parts Centre Sdn Bhd (PPCSB) in West Malaysia and direct overseas shipments, addressing the growing demand in Sabah, Proton’s third-highest state for vehicle sales in Malaysia.

Spanning approximately 28,000 square feet, the Kota Kinabalu RPC is 2.5 times larger than its predecessor. It can accommodate up to six containers of parts simultaneously, compared to two previously, and is processing an average of 26 containers per month. This expanded capacity allows the centre to store up to three months’ worth of stock, reducing delivery times to dealerships and customers.

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First 500 J7’s Delivered To Jaecoo Dealerships

Jaecoo Malaysia has officially commenced the delivery of the first 500 units of the J7 Premium Off-road SUV to dealerships. This milestone follows a dedicated seven-month effort to establish a comprehensive ecosystem and network, leading up to the J7’s official launch in mid-July. The brand has successfully met its delivery schedule for this initial batch, which is set to be completed within the third quarter of the year.

The first batch consists of the Jaecoo J7 All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) variant, with the subsequent deliveries in September featuring the Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) variant. The J7’s competitive pricing has captured significant attention in the market, with the AWD variant priced at RM148,800 and the 2WD variant at RM138,800. This strategic pricing positions the J7 as a notable contender in the C-segment SUV category, providing a blend of luxury and affordability.

(more…)

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Local News

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV Launched – RM626k

2025 Proton X70 Officially Launched From RM98,800

Proton Saga Achieves Record Sales as It Celebrates 39 Years

Smart Malaysia Expands with New Dealership in Johor Bahru

Chery Omoda 5 Achieves Prestigious 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating

UMW Toyota Motor Announces Strong July Sales And New Launches

Car Purchase Scam Costs Kuala Terengganu Civil Servant RM99,000

Malaysia Faces RM4 Billion in Unpaid Traffic Fines

Key Statistics

Enforcement and Measures

Proton Opens New Regional Parts Centre In Sabah To Meet Market Demand

First 500 J7’s Delivered To Jaecoo Dealerships

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV Launched – RM626k

2025 Proton X70 Officially Launched From RM98,800

Proton Saga Achieves Record Sales as It Celebrates 39 Years

Smart Malaysia Expands with New Dealership in Johor Bahru

Chery Omoda 5 Achieves Prestigious 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating

UMW Toyota Motor Announces Strong July Sales And New Launches

Car Purchase Scam Costs Kuala Terengganu Civil Servant RM99,000

Malaysia Faces RM4 Billion in Unpaid Traffic Fines

Proton Opens New Regional Parts Centre In Sabah To Meet Market Demand

First 500 J7’s Delivered To Jaecoo Dealerships

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